The purposes of this study were to (a) develop and implement an effective program of psychosocial intervention for adult cancer patients, (b) evaluate the impact of this program in ameliorating the psychosocial problems of cancer patients, and (c) develop procedures for documenting the intervention process. Three cancer sites were investigated: breast, lung, and melanoma. Half of the patients (n = 157) received psychosocial evaluation and a systematic program of psychosocial rehabilitation (intervention group), and the remaining half (n = 151) received only the evaluation (control group). There were no significant demographic or medical (e.g., prognosis, staging of disease, etc.) differences between the control and intervention groups. Data analysis indicated that (a) the evaluation instruments were sensitive to the course of psychosocial treatment of the cancer patient; (b) intervention effectively ameliorated some of the psychosocial problems reported by patients; and (c) patients in the intervention group evidenced a more rapid decline of negative affect (i.e., anxiety, hostility, depression), a more realistic outlook on life, a greater proportion of return to previous vocational status, and a more active pattern of time usage than patients in the control group.The psychosocial impact of cancer on the (1977) indicated that 25% to 30% of the patient has been well described in both mastectomy patients that they interviewed the professional (Craig & Abeloff, 1974; remained emotionally upset 1 year follow-

Up until several years ago, little systematic effort was directed at developing an empirically based understanding of issues pertinent to psychosocial aspects of living with cancer. Recently, however, increased interest has been focused on this topic. This manuscript reviews over 100 articles, papers, and books written between 1960 and 1980 on the psychosocial impact of cancer on the adult patient and on methods of psychosocial treatment providing a “state of the art” appraisal of the area. A methodological critique of the research studies is provided as well.

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Based on 50 interviews with patients attending the New York University Skin and Cancer Clinic for cutaneous malignancies, an impression was gained of the psychosocial impact of cutaneous cancer upon those afflicted. On the basis of this impression, guidelines for physicians in psychological management of such patients are offered.

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